PORTSMOUTH — With Prescott Park Arts Festival’s summer musical, Annie, just around the corner, it comes as no surprise that the Festival has begun their search for Annie’s beloved mutt, Sandy. On Saturday, May 11, starting at 3:30 p.m., the Festival will transform Strawbery Banke into a temporary puppy playground for their first ever dog event: Sandy Search. This canine-focused event will serve as auditions for aspiring theater dogs, and play time for all other dogs who simply want to attend. Sandy Search will determine the dog that will play the role of Sandy in this year’s musical: Annie. The event will bring together local dogs, their human guardians, and canine-loving spectators for a fun afternoon.

Donations will be collected at the event, with a portion of proceeds to support the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NH SPCA). All dogs in attendance will receive a puppy treat bag, and the winner of Sandy Search will get a One Year Supply of Dog Food, generously supplied by Canine Cupboard of Portsmouth. The auditions will be guided by the Canine Academy of Portsmouth’s renowned instructor, Sue Carney, along with Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Musical Director, Billy Butler.“The thought of keeping the cuteness factor of Sandy auditions all to ourselves seemed wrong, so we decided to spin it the other way and turn it into a community event,” explains Executive Director, Ben Anderson, regarding the Festival’s choice to hold an open cast call for the vital role in this year’s musical. “Plus, the Festival is always looking for ways to bring people together through common interests, and our dogs happen to be one interest that runs deep among many of us.”

The Festival is seeking an obedient, gentle, dog that will thrive in a theater setting. No experience is necessary, but a well-trained dog or a willingness to be trained is desired. It is essential that the dog be good with children, friendly, calm and available for all rehearsals and performances.

Sandy Search is a free event and welcomes all dogs to attend, regardless of breed, age, or future theater aspirations. If you and your dog would like to attend Sandy Search, please sign up at http://www.prescottpark.org/audition.cfm or call the Festival office at (603)-436-2848.

Prescott Park Arts Festival, a nonprofit organization, is the Seacoast’s premier outdoor performing arts venue, offering a uniquely accessible experience of high quality live theater and music — no fixed admissions fees — in an idyllic natural setting.

For more information, contact Ben Anderson, Executive Director, at 603-436-2848 or at ben@prescottpark.org.